Impact of Lung Biomarker Testing on Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Biomarker testing in metastatic non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical for appropriate treatment. Claims-based datasets offer real-world information on the use and cost of biomarker testing.

We used 2013-2021 data from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Eligible patients were adults with ≥ 2 NSCLC diagnosis codes and ≥ 2 claims of a secondary malignant neoplasm. We excluded patients with another primary or no continuous insurance coverage 12 months prior and 6 months after diagnosis. We assessed out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Descriptive statistics were used to assess testing rates, and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to assess factors associated with testing.

We identified 4377 patients with metastatic NSCLC (mean age 60 years (SD 8.33), 49.6% female, 76.7% former smokers). Testing rates within 2 months of diagnosis increased from 58.15% in 2013 to 69.96% in 2021. On MVA, biomarker testing was associated with younger age, nonsmokers, Mountain geographic region, and point-of-service insurance plans. Biomarker testing was associated with a median OOP cost of $98 (IQR: $43.87-$306.58). Patients who underwent biomarker testing had a median total OOP cost of all services within 6 months of diagnosis of $3560.20 (IQR: $1538.37-$6199.44) compared to $1979.58 (IQR: $725.75-$4003.06) for those who did not undergo biomarker testing.

Using claims data, we find that most patients with metastatic NSCLC undergo biomarker testing early in their treatment course (0-60 days), suggesting that testing is appropriately being obtained early on in their treatment course, but this testing is associated with substantially higher overall OOP costs to patients.